THE TAIWAN Tourism Administration went on a Philippine roadshow to promote the Taiwan Waves of Wonder campaign and encourage more Filipinos to travel to the country.
On July 16, Cindy Chen of the Taiwan Tourism Administration Bangkok Office said their tourism brand continues to offer Filipinos free visas when traveling to Taiwan. She highlighted the Taiwan Waves of Wonders in offering the country’s plentiful energy, special offers, and surprises for travelers.
She added they would hopefully establish a Taiwan Tourism Information Center (TTIC) in Manila by the end of this year.
“So we hope that after the launching of our information center, we can have a more closer relationship with you, and have more opportunities to work together with your side,” Chen said.
In Chen’s presentation at the 2024 Taiwan Tourism Workshop in Davao, Filipinos have been enjoying 14-day visa-free visits to Taiwan beginning November 2017. The visa-free initiative will continue until July 31, 2025, and will be reviewed for further extensions.
Furthermore, 290,784 Filipino visitors were recorded in 2017 and significantly increased to 509,519 visitors in 2019. However, the numbers dropped to 77,065 due to COVID-19. In 2023, Filipino tourists increased to 350,487 but dropped to 152,688 in 2024 (as of January to April).
In an interview, Chen hopes to breach the 500,000 Filipino tourists this year. She encouraged Filipino travelers to visit Taiwan for its beautiful sceneries, delicious food, and its friendliness towards Filipinos.
Department of Tourism-XI (DOT) assistant regional director Judy Collaljo delivered a message on behalf of DOT-XI regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan during the workshop.
Rabat-Tan’s hoped the 2024 Taiwan Tourism Workshop in Davao would open more opportunities for Taiwan and Davao, and form a strong alliance in mutually promoting their respective destinations.
“And hopefully, through this, we will be able to push for more laudable programs such as the passable air connectivity between Davao and Taiwan,” Collaljo said.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration has been promoting internationally under “Taiwan The Heart of Asia” since 2011. After 13 years and overcoming the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, they introduced their whole new Taiwan Tourism Brand Version 3.0 titled “Taiwan Waves of Wonder” which drew inspiration from wave-like designs of oceans, mountains, roads, and railways of the country.
